Abstract:
The popularity of creativity came about because of the increased
recognition that the world, along with its economic, social and
cultural structures was changing dramatically. This was driven in
part by information technology revolution. Coping with these changes
required a re-assessment of cities’ resources and potential and a
process of necessary re-invention on all fronts.1
A Living city in the 21st century, thus came to be the one that is
committed to fostering creativity among its citizens and to providing
emotionally satisfying places and experiences for them. The philosophy
is that there is always more creative potential in a place and proposes
that conditions need to be created for people to think, plan and act
with imagination in harnessing opportunities or addressing seemingly
intractable problems.
A living city is thus defined by the innovative ventures it’s people take
part in, an ability to evaluate the ideas that affect their lives and those
around them, making them an living society.
The role of architecture is that of a middle ground, a distinctive
physical space that connects the thinkers, producers and consumers,
each with a role of their own. As it stands, on the world stage, Pakistan
lags behind and trends shows that despite the interest and impact of
IT, it’s people have show less active participation, to understand and
evaluate the phenomenon that greatly affects their world. The middle
ground, the place of gathering and reflection is the missing link and
the inability of the city to collect and provide a platform to those who
do think.
In an attempt to record the creativity that the locality is capable of, the
program of a museum, a place that has been continuously reinvented
in the past, is appropriated for the life of present, in hopes that a
brighter future may exist.
